Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1887-02-05

"A piece of good fortune that hardly
hoped for" said HardyHlan.
Isabel, still resting her hand ON Roberts
arm, felt 1t tremble a little as Hardyman
made this last inquiry If she had been
speaking to one of her equals she would have
known how to dispose Of the question with
out directly answering it, But what could
she say to the magnificent gentleman on the
stately horsel He had only to send his serv-
ant into the village TO ask who the young
lady from London was staying with and the
answer, in dozen mouths at least, would
direct him to her aunt She cast one APP
pealing look at Moody, and pronounced the
distinguished name Of Miss Pink
miss Pinkp Hardyman repeated. Surely
know Miss Pink" Gle had not the faint
est remembrance of her) "Where did ]
meet her Lasts" Gle ran over in his memory
the different local festivals at which stran-
gers had been introduced to him. "Was it
at the archery meeting, or at the grammar
school, when the prizes were given9 Not
1t must have been at the flower show, then,
surelyT
1t had been at the flower show. Isabel
had heard it from Miss Pink fifty times at
least, and was obliged to admit it now.
~ am quite ashamed of never having
called" Hardyman proceeded "The fact is,
| have so much to do. l am a bad one at
paying visits. Are you on your way home'
Let me follow you and make my apologies
personally to Miss Pink"
Moody looked at Isabel. 1t was only
momentary glance, but she perfectly under
stood it,
II am afraid, sir, my aunt cannot have the
honor of seeing you to-day" she said
Hardyman was all compliance. He smiled
and patted his horses neck. Tomorrow,
then" he said. ''My compliments, and l
will call in the afternoon. Let me see; Miss
Pink lives at He waited, as if he ex-
pected Isabel to assist his trea cherous mem
DRY once more. She hesitated again. Hardy.
man looked round at his groom The groom
| could find out the address, even If he did not
| happen to know it already. Besides, there
was the little row of houses visible at the
farther end of tho road Isabel pointed to
| the villas as a necessary concession to good
manners, before the groom could anticipate
her my aunt lives there, sir, at the house
called The Lawn"
"Ah to be sure" said Hardyman. 81
oughtn't to have wanted reminding; but
| have so many things to think of at the farm.
| And am afraid l must be getting old; my
memory isn't as good as it was | am SO
| glad to have seen you, Miss Isabel. You
| and your aunt must come and look at my
horses Do you like horsess Are you fond
of riding9 have quiet roam mare that is
used to carrying ladies' she would be just
| the thing for you. Did beg you to give my
best compliments to your auntl Yesl How
well you are lookingl our air here agrees
with you l hope haven't kept you stand
ing too long9 l didn't think of it in the
| pleasure of meeting you. Good-by, Miss
lsabal-good-by till tomorrow.
He took off his hat to Isabel, nodded tC
Moody, and pursued his way to the farm
Isabel looked at her companion. His eye;
! were still on the ground. Pale, silent
motionless, he waited by ler like a dog
until she gave the signal Of walking on agair
toward the house.
"You are not angry with me for speaking
to Mr. Hardymanq she asked, anxiously
He lifted his head at the sound of hel
voice "Angry with you, my dearl Why
should l be angry"
"You seem SO changed Robert, since WI
| llleb MI. llldl. SOuldAA hClp opouh
ing to him, could r.
Certainly not"
They moved on towards the villa Isabel
was still uneasy. There was something il
Moody's silent submission to all that she sale
and all that she did which panied and humili
ated her. YOU'RE not jealousl" she said
smiling timidy.
He tried to sreak lightly, on his side. I"
have no time to he jealous while have YOU
affairs to look after" he answered.
She pressed his arm tenderly. "Neve
fear, Robert, that new friends will make mi
forget the best and dearest friend who is nov
at my side" She paused and looked up a
him with a compassionate fondness that wa
very pretty to see. III can keep out of tn
way tomorrow when Mr.. Hardyman calls,
she said. sit is my aunt he is coming to see
not me-"
1t was generously meant But while he
mind was only occupied with the present
time, Moody's mind was looking into tn
future. He was learning the hard lesson o
self-sacrifce already. DO what you thinl
right" he said, quietly; don't think of me.
They reached the gate of the villa. H
held out his hand to say good-by.
"Won't you come inF' she asked "DC
come i'm
mot now, my dear must get back T.
London as soon as can. There is some NOR
work to be done for you, and the sooner d.
it the better"
She heard his excuse without needing It.
"You are not like yourself, Robert, sh
said. "Why is It'll What are you thinking Oft
He was thinking of the bright blwh tina
overspread her face when Hardyman frs
spoke to her; he was thinking Of the invita-
ton to her to see the stud farm, and to rid
the roam mare; he was thinking Of the utterl
powerless position in which he stood towar
: Isabel and toward the highly born gentle
} man who admired her. But he kept hi
doubts and fears to himself "The trail
, won't wait for me- he said, and held out hi
hand ones more.
She was not only perplexed, she was reall
distressed. Don't take leave OF me In tina
cold way!" she pleaded. Her eyes droppe